Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe
This Brownie Refrigerator Cake is a decadent no-bake dessert featuring rich homemade brownies layered with creamy sweetened cream cheese, luscious chocolate and vanilla pudding, and topped with fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking an indulgent treat that requires minimal oven time and a chill in the fridge to set.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Base
- 1 brownie mix (9×13 pan size)
- 1 additional extra-large egg
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container whipped topping (8 oz)
Pudding Layer
- 1 package chocolate instant pudding (3 oz)
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding (3 oz)
- 3 1/2 cups milk
Topping & Garnish
- 1 container whipped topping (8 oz)
- 1 Hershey bar for chocolate shavings or chocolate syrup
- Prepare the brownies: Follow the package directions for the brownie mix, but add an extra-large egg to the batter to enhance the fudgy texture. Bake in a 9×13 inch pan as directed. Allow the brownies to cool completely before assembling the cake.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in one container of whipped topping gently, then spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Prepare the pudding layer: Whisk together the chocolate and vanilla instant pudding mixes with 3 1/2 cups of cold milk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Spread this pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese topping layer.
- Add the whipped topping: Spread the remaining container of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer, smoothing the surface for a neat finish.
- Garnish and chill: Using a Hershey bar, shave chocolate pieces over the top or drizzle with chocolate syrup as desired. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving, allowing layers to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- For an extra fudgy brownie, adding the extra egg as suggested is key.
- Make sure the brownies are completely cool before layering to prevent melting the cream cheese layer.
- Use cold milk for the pudding to ensure it sets properly and thickens quickly.
- This cake can be made a day ahead to improve flavor and texture.
- Instead of Hershey bar shavings, you may use chocolate chips or curls as garnish.
Keywords: brownie refrigerator cake, no bake dessert, layered cake, cream cheese dessert, chocolate pudding cake